But it was strongly opposed by the Catholic Church and Church of Scotland.

The announcement was made in the wake of a government consultation which produced a record 77,508 responses.

Same-sex couples in Scotland currently have the option to enter into civil partnerships and the Holyrood government has insisted no part of the religious community would be forced to hold same-sex weddings in churches.

The Scottish government said;

it would work with UK ministers to amend equality laws to protect celebrants from legal or disciplinary action if they refuse to take part or speak out against same-sex ceremonies.

a bill would be brought forward to the Scottish Parliament later this year to bring in the change.

Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "We are committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships - we believe that this is the right thing to do.

Analysis

Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has confirmed that the start of that year is the earliest new legislation would take effect.

That could bring the Scottish government's timetable into line with UK government plans to change the law in England and Wales.

Ms Sturgeon said it was "entirely feasible and entirely conceivable" that legislation would be going through the Scottish and UK parliaments at roughly the same time.

The UK government's consultation on allowing civil marriages for gay and lesbian couples closed in June 2012.

The coalition is analysing the results before publishing its formal response but Prime Minster, David Cameron, has promised legislation before the next election.

The Scottish government's plans go further. It wants to allow both civil and religious ceremonies, with opt-outs for religious organisations that do not support same sex marriage.

Ms Sturgeon said changes to the UK Equality Act are needed for Scottish legislation to be effective.

The Home Office said: "If changes are needed, they will be made."

It may be the ministry regards passage of its own legislation on same sex marriage as the most convenient way to do this.

If reform happens in Scotland at the same time as in England and Wales, it will allow the Scottish and UK governments to lean on each other in responding to criticism.

There are no plans to allow same sex couple to marry in Northern Ireland.

She went on: "The Scottish government has already made clear that no religious body will be compelled to conduct same-sex marriages and we reiterate that today. Such protection is provided for under existing equality laws.

"However, our view is that to give certainty on protection for individual celebrants taking a different view from a religious body that does agree to conduct same-sex marriages, an amendment will be required to the UK Equality Act."

The Scottish government said it was now going ahead with another consultation to consider what extra measures are needed to guarantee freedom of speech, including the protection of religious beliefs of teachers and parents in schools.

Ministers said the Scottish Catholic Education Service would continue to decide on the faith content of the curriculum in Catholic denominational schools.

Welcoming the government's approach, Tom French, policy co-ordinator for the Equality Network, said: "Same-sex marriage is about equality and freedom - the freedom for couples, and religious and humanist groups that want to, to celebrate same-sex marriages, but equally, upholding the freedom of other religious groups to say no to same-sex marriages.

"That's the right way for Scotland to deal with the different opinions on this."

The Church of Scotland, which will report on its own investigation of the issue in May 2013, expressed concern the government was rushing ahead with its plans.

The Rev Alan Hamilton, convener of the Church of Scotland legal questions committee, said: "We are acutely aware that opinions differ among our own members and that many people are anxious and hurt in the current situation.

"We believe homophobia to be sinful and we reaffirm our strong pastoral commitment to all people in Scotland, regardless of sexual orientation or beliefs."

He added: "We are concerned the government will legislate without being able to effectively protect religious bodies or their ministers whose beliefs prevent them from celebrating civil-partnerships or same-sex marriages."

Comments

Comment number 90.

Derpsworth25th July 2012 - 11:21

I barely understand why people feel marriage is even necessary in this day and age, let alone why homosexual couples want to indulge in this outdated religious ritual, especially considering how certain religions feel about them.Marriage was about rings and names of ownership of daughters, these days is such a ritual even needed if you want to make a commitment to your partner?

Comment number 87.

silverfox25th July 2012 - 11:21

Many marriages have been annuled because they were not consumated. I think I'm right in saying the option between 2 men is illegal and the option between 2 women impossible. I'm good gay people can haev a legal bond together but marriage - no.

Comment number 85.

Peter_Sym25th July 2012 - 11:21

9. Powys 10 MINUTES AGOThis is what happens when the government is Marxist in orientation. They totally ignore the values of the Christians in their midst.--The Christians should maybe get themselves democratically elected then. I'd find the concept of one small minority attempting to discriminate against another minority hilarious if you weren't so deadly serious.

Comment number 84.

Trust no-one25th July 2012 - 11:20

Another example of politicians taking no notice of the electorate and what the majority oppose. 64% say they are against this so the 'minority' rule again. I'm not religious or anti-gay but I do believe marriage is for a man and a woman not same sex couples.

Comment number 81.

Ediflyer25th July 2012 - 11:20

So proud of Scotland today. It is easy for people who are not gay to think gay marriage is wrong but I am so glad our government have looked past the uneducated and scaremongering quotes from certain religious bodies and agreed it is the right thing to do.

The Catholic church should be out fighting against poverty and child abuse and leave those in love to live a simple happy life.

Comment number 80.

Ceiderduck25th July 2012 - 11:20

Please tell me where views are being FORCED on people or churches? As the article states: "The Scottish government has already made clear that no religious body will be compelled to conduct same sex marriages and we reiterate that today. Such protection is provided for under existing equality laws". Please read before stating that such nonsense. Oh, and well done Scotland the Brave!

Comment number 78.

Comment number 77.

Alex25th July 2012 - 11:19

I never really have anything to do with religion but it strikes me that those who think that Gay people are damned by God should in fact leave the damning then to their God and not take it upon themselves to act in that God's name.Personally if I were to choose a religion it would be a Kopimist their sacred symbols of CTRL+C and CTRL+V seem more appealing than anything I have come across to date.

Comment number 73.

Balloon Rake25th July 2012 - 11:19

A very sad day in the history of Scotland, this is totally immoral and wrong, marriage is about a man and woman not 2 people of the same sex.Alex Salmond is a joke, the only good thing is that with this decision it means that the voters in Scotland will now overwhelming reject independance.The vast majority of Scots are against same sex marriage, this makes the Poll Tax look like good.

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